Minnesota quarterback Philip Nelson throws a pass against Michigan during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012, in Minneapolis. Michigan won 35-13. (AP Photo/Tom Olmscheid)

Gophers quarterback Phillip Nelson drops back for a pass during the team's first spring practice at the Gibson-Nagurski Football Complex in Minneapolis on Tuesday March 26, 2013. (Pioneer Press: John Autey)

For a second consecutive year, the Gophers’ starting quarterback job appears to be settled. Last season, the starter was MarQueis Gray, who was a senior. This season, it’s sophomore Philip Nelson.

Nelson started seven games last season, so quarterback appears to be one position Jerry Kill doesn’t need to worry about.

But as Kill opens his third fall camp as University of Minnesota coach on Friday, breaking in a new offense and filling holes on defense are among the major issues that need to be addressed before the Aug. 29 season opener against Nevada-Las Vegas.

CAN THEY ASSIMILATE A NEW OFFENSE?

Last year, Kill, who ran a spread offense, switched to more of a power running attack before his first bowl game at Minnesota. The Gophers lost the game to Texas Tech but still rushed for 222 yards, including 133 combined from tailbacks Donnell Kirkwood and Rodrick Williams. In 2008, then-Gophers coach Tim Brewster decided before his first bowl game to change offensive styles from a wide-open spread attack to a pro-style, two-tailback system. That transition failed because Brewster didn’t have the appropriate personnel. Kill, who has relied on his quarterbacks to run, has enough returning depth at tailback and on the offensive line to be run-oriented. Will the Gophers ask Nelson and backup Mitch Leidner in camp to be more comfortable under center and throwing play-action passes from the pocket?

WHO IS NELSON’S TOP TARGET?

Nelson completed just 49 percent of his passes in starts last season, partly because he had no reliable receiving threat after A.J. Barker left the team. In Nelson’s best game, Barker was targeted for 135 yards and two touchdown passes. The favorite to emerge in camp as the team’s top wide receiver this season is senior Derrick Engel, who had 108 yards receiving in the Meineke Car Care Bowl. Others showing promise are junior Isaac Fruechte, redshirt freshman Jamel Harbison (coming off knee injury) and sophomore K.J. Maye. Former Hopkins standout Andre McDonald has the talent to help, but the sophomore was just reinstated to the team this summer after being suspended before the bowl game for violating team rules. Kill could decide to have freshman quarterbacks Chris Streveler and Donovahn Jones compete at wide receiver in camp, as well. Another freshman, Drew Wolitarsky, has impressed in summer workouts.

CAN HAGEMAN LEAD THE DEFENSE?

If senior defensive tackle Ra’Shede Hageman finally lives up to his immense potential on a consistent basis, the leadership he displayed in the summer likely will be a factor. Despite having a laid-back personality, Hageman was vocal in summer workouts. He was committed to watching video and honing his pass-rushing and run-stopping skills. Now, the 6-foot-6, 310-pound NFL prospect needs to establish himself as the guy everyone follows in camp. Seniors such as Keanon Cooper, Mike Rallis, Troy Stoudermire, Michael Carter and D.L. Wilhite were relied on last year to push the defense to show improvement in fall practice. Hageman clearly is the best defensive player returning, so the Gophers need him to set the tone, too.

CAN THEY FIGURE OUT AN O-LINE?

Offensive line injuries plagued the Gophers last season, especially at center, where they had three different starters. Senior Zach Mottla ended his playing career after failing to recover from a broken leg. Junior Brian Bobek won’t be ready for the opening of camp because of a viral infection. But sophomore center Jon Christenson is finally healthy coming off ankle surgery in the spring. Senior tackle Ed Olson also is ready after missing spring practice following ankle surgery. Rebuilding the chemistry among Christenson, Olson, junior guard Zac Epping and sophomore tackle Josh Campion is critical in camp. The other guard spot is wide open. Jonah Pirsig, a 6-9 redshirt freshman, should be able to practice for the first time since injuring his knee in March.

WHICH NEW LINEBACKERS CAN HELP?

Kill won’t expect too many first-year players to compete for starting roles or significant reps in practice. That’s different from his first two seasons with the Gophers. Linebacker is the biggest position of need with the loss of starters Rallis and Cooper, and after Lamonte Edwards was kicked off the team after a legal issue. Returning senior Aaron Hill started 11 games last season, but all three linebacker spots are up for grabs. Junior-college transfers Damien Wilson and De’Vondre Campbell could compete in camp. Freshmen Jack Lynn and De’Niro Laster are physically mature enough to battle for spots in the two-deep depth chart.

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